Stark contrast seen early in Republican challengers campaign finance reports

The two Republican challengers gunning for the 21st Congressional District seat of Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, in next years election have released their third-quarter finance figures ahead of todays deadline for filing with the Federal Election Commission, revealing a stark contrast early in the campaign.

Elise M. Stefanik, Willsboro, announced Monday that she has raised more than $180,000 in the few short weeks since she entered the race, including $165,000 in cash.

The 29-year-old Ms. Stefanik, who worked on domestic and economic policy in the George W. Bush White House before returning home to Willsboro to work at her familys plywood distribution business, said in a news release that a substantial portion of the money  $70,000  was raised online with the help of social media.

According to the release, Ms. Stefanik received small donations from residents in every county of the district.

As I continue to crisscross the district and listen, Upstaters tell me they want a new representative in Congress that will vote to create jobs and curb our debt, and not be a part of the tired old political blame game, Ms. Stefanik said in the release.

Joseph M. Gilbert, the former St. Lawrence County Emergency Services director, said he has raised just $3,000 since announcing in early August his intention to run for the seat.

Undaunted by the big numbers put up by Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Gilbert said he wont really ramp up his campaign until after this years Nov. 5 election.

Mr. Gilbert, a 24-year veteran of the Army, said that as emergency services director he cut his departments spending by 20 percent and increased services by carefully going over each budget line.

Once we get out there and once we really start campaigning, the voters will see the difference, he said.

Tim Biba, a spokesman for Mr. Owens, said the congressmans quarterly report would be available from the FEC after it is filed today. However, the government shutdown may keep Mr. Owenss filing away from the publics eyes until federal employees are allowed to return to work.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.